Nonpartisan political forum in Ocean Springs

Incumbent Mayor Connie Moran and her challenger Shea Dobson joined others running for municipal offices at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center this evening for a political forum. News 25’s Kendra Turley caught up with both mayoral candidates and gives us a closer look at the countdown until elections.
In less than a week, voters will submit their choice on who they want to lead their city in the right direction. The League of Women Voter’s Mississippi Gulf Coast held a nonpartisan political forum to educate Ocean Springs residents before it is time to hit the polls. League of Women Voters President Roberta Avila said, “We believe that voters that are better informed are able to make better choices. Therefore, those people who are elected are those that the voters want.”
The forum served as the last chance to hear from 17 of the 18 candidates at one time before the May 2nd primary elections. Alderman and mayoral candidates took turns informing voters of their background, experience, and plans for the city. Ocean Springs resident Susan Jarvis said, “I think what’s different about this election is the fact that there are so many candidates for alderman and mayor and that there seems to be a lot of excitement about the possibilities of change.”
Mayoral candidate Shea Dobson used tonight as an opportunity to push his platform for change in the City of Discovery while incumbent Mayor Connie Moran recapped successful projects over the years to help secure a fourth term.
“Our city is divided right now. They want somebody that’s not going to declare war on our youth center or mock conservatives. They want somebody who is going to have integrity and really show up to work and keep their head down and have a respectable image for the city,” said Dobson.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Ocean Springs. I’m looking forward to a new great team to work together. This isn’t just a job for me. This is really my life’s work,” said Moran.